Federal jurisdiction refers to the authority of federal courts to hear and decide cases that involve specific issues outlined in the U.S. Constitution or federal laws. This includes cases that involve federal questions, such as disputes over federal statutes, treaties, or constitutional rights, as well as cases that involve parties from different states, known as diversity jurisdiction.
Federal jurisdiction is limited to certain types of cases, meaning not all legal matters can be heard in federal court. For example, state law cases typically fall under the jurisdiction of state courts. Understanding the boundaries of federal jurisdiction helps clarify where legal disputes should be filed and resolved.